Clerodendrum japonicum (Lamiaceae) and Phoenix loureiroi (Arecaceae): Two New Records of Plants to Bhutan

Abstract

Two new varieties of plants, Clerodendrum japonicum var. japonicum and Phoenix loureiroi var. pedunculata are reported as new records in Bhutan. They were collected from Athang Gewog in Wandgue Phodrang District and Sergithang Gewog in Tsirang Districts. Clerodendrum japonicum var. japonicum is similar to variety C. japonicum var. bethuneanum, but can be distinguished from it by the uniformly red corolla.  Phoenix loureiroi var. pedunculata differs from P. loureiroi var. loureiroi by the absence of a continuous strip of sclerotic, tannin-filled cells along the leaflet margins, and by its unique geographical distribution. Detailed descriptions, taxonomy, geographical distributions and habitat of the species are provided.